For some reason, dishwasher detergents seem to go under the radar when it comes to nasty ingredients. Unfortunately, how many times have you found dishwasher detergent debris on your dishes that fails to get fully removed by the rinse cycle? Regardless of if this has happened to you or not, it’s time to seriously consider what you are bathing your eating utensils in!
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) grades commercial products with grades A-F based on their ingredient toxicity and health concerns, such as:
- Link or risk to Asthma/Respiratory
- Link or risk to Skin Allergies and Irritation
- Link or risk to Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity
- Link or risk to Cancer
- Environmental Concerns
Does your detergent make the grade?
Cascade Dishwasher Detergent Gel
Graded F by EWG For: “Some concern for Government enforceable restrictions; acute aquatic toxicity; biodegradation”
Cascade Powder Dishwasher Detergent
Graded F by EWG For: “Regulatory violation; May contain ingredients with potential for Government enforceable restrictions; acute aquatic toxicity; chronic aquatic toxicity”
Cascade Complete Dishwasher Detergent Gel
Graded D by EWG For: “Poor disclosure; May contain ingredients with potential for chronic aquatic toxicity; acute aquatic toxicity; nervous system effects”
FINISH Automatic Dishwasher Detergent Powder, Lemon
Graded F by EWG For: “May contain ingredients with potential for Government enforceable restrictions; chronic aquatic toxicity; acute aquatic toxicity”
FINISH Powerball Tabs, Orange
Graded F by EWG For: “May contain ingredients with potential for developmental/endocrine/reproductive effects; chronic aquatic toxicity; general ecotoxicity”
FINISH Dishwasher Detergent Gel, Fresh
Graded D by EWG For: “May contain ingredients with potential for chronic aquatic toxicity; acute aquatic toxicity; biodegradation”
If your detergent isn’t listed, get the full list and grades here.
Better solutions:
biokleen Automatic Dish Powder, Citrus Essence
Graded B by EWG For: “Some concern for cancer; digestive system effects; nervous system effects”
Buy it here.
Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwasher Powder, Free & Clear
Graded A by EWG For: “Some concern for respiratory effects; digestive system effects; nervous system effects”
Buy it here.
Earth Friendly Products Wave Auto Dishwasher Gel, Organic Lavender
Graded A by EWG For: “Some concern for respiratory effects; cancer; chronic aquatic toxicity”
Buy it here.
When it comes to reducing your exposure to chemicals and toxins in your home, the little changes really add up! Just swap out one toxic product each month, and by the end of the year your family will dramatically reduce their chemical exposure.
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References:
Environmental Working Group
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com/j_markow